Albany Police make nine arrests in hazing incident

ALBANY -- Police arrested nine men for hazing Friday at a home on Hudson Avenue.

According to Albany Police Department Public Information Officer Steven Smith, officers were called to 470 Hudson Ave. at about 1:15 a.m. in response to a report of a "loud disturbance."

Upon arrival, officers saw several individuals laying face down on the basement floor with their faces submerged in water. They were being struck by wooden paddles and rubber hoses and told to "beg for mercy" while cold water from a garden hose was being poured on their heads.

Some of the individuals sustained minor cuts and abrasions but refused medical attention. The Fire Department was also called to the home and found more than a dozen code violations.

Advertisement

Those living at 470 Hudson Ave. who were arrested and charged with hazing in the second degree, criminal nuisance and unlawful assembly were: John Storte, 19, Nicholas Salamone, 20, Joseph Lane, 20 and Anthony Morello, 20.

Three others were charged with hazing in the second degree and unlawful assembly. They are Vincent Serrecchia, 20, of 487 Hudson Ave., Joseph Sheehan, 21, of 489 Hudson Ave. and Anthony Warme, 20, of the Bronx.

Philip Terra, 21, of 466 Hudson Ave., who was not present during the initial incident, pushed an officer at the back door in an attempt to get inside the house, according to police, and he was charged with obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest.

One of the individuals, Frank Calandra, 18, of 1400 Washington Ave., was in possession of narcotic pills and was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Councilman Anton Konev, of the 11th Ward where the incident took place is calling on UAlbany to expel the students.

All nine were arraigned Friday morning in the Albany City Criminal Court.

Smith said they are not members of a recognized fraternity and the school has started university judicial proceedings against the students who were arrested.